TEHRAN- A Persian translation of American novelist Herman Melville’s 1924 book “Billy Budd” has recently been published by Now Publications in Tehran. 

The book has been translated into Persian by Ahmad Miralai. 

“Billy Budd” is a novella by Herman Melville that tells the story of a young sailor named Billy Budd who is impressed into service on a British naval ship during the late 18th century. The story takes place during a time of war between England and France, and the ship is filled with tension and conflict.

Billy Budd is a generous and kind-hearted individual who quickly becomes popular among the crew members, including the ship's captain, Edward Fairfax Vere. However, he becomes the target of jealousy and envy from John Claggart, the ship's master-at-arms. Claggart falsely accuses Billy of planning mutiny, and soon, the stage is set for a tragic series of events.

Captain Vere is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his admiration for Billy. As the tension escalates, Captain Vere ultimately holds a trial for Billy, where he is found guilty and sentenced to be hanged. Despite Captain Vere's personal feelings towards Billy, he feels bound to enforce the law and carry out the harsh punishment. In the final moments, Billy embraces his fate and dies, leaving an indelible impact on the crew and Captain Vere.

“Billy Budd” explores themes of innocence, morality, justice, and the complexities of human nature. It raises questions about the ethics of enforcing laws and the role of authority figures in making difficult decisions. Melville's nuanced and gripping storytelling masterfully captures the essence of the characters and their struggles, leaving readers with a profound reflection on the inherent flaws and unpredictable nature of society.

Herman Melville was an American author born in 1819, in New York City. He is best known for his epic novel “Moby-Dick,” which is often hailed as one of the greatest works of American literature. Melville's writing career began with his early novels, such as “Typee and Omoo”, which drew from his experiences as a young sailor in the South Pacific. However, it was “Moby-Dick,” published in 1851, that solidified Melville's reputation as a masterful writer.

Melville's works explore themes of human nature, morality, and the complexities of society. His writings often delve into philosophical and allegorical aspects while incorporating rich symbolism and vivid descriptions. While his works were initially met with mixed reviews and commercial disappointment, Melville's literary significance was later recognized and appreciated in the 20th century. Despite his initial struggles, Melville's unique storytelling style and profound exploration of universal themes have secured his place as one of the most influential American authors of all time.

SAB/